Surely they must at least have given you IV fluids (e.g., saline) to replace the volume? They are remiss in saying there is nothing they can do unless you will accept a blood transfusion. You should ask to speak to the hospital's patient advocate or the quality manager, someone with the authority to intervene in your behalf.

I'm sorry that you were given the impression that "nothing" could be done. Obviously, there are many institutions (see the lists of hospitals on this website) who do deal with the patient who desires "no blood" or the severely anemic individual providing them with alternatives. While it is true that in a critical situation there are limited options to compensate for the lack of red blood cells, usually volume repletion along with IV iron, EPO, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 has helped many individuals restore their own red blood cells in a relatively short time. Since you were able to be discharged home, you can take appropriate action to improve your own anemia by eating iron rich foods (cream of wheat, red meat, dried fruits, etc.), taking a good multivitamin (prenatal vitamins are good) and some over the counter iron, getting adequate rest (to minimize oxygen demand), etc. I agree that you should also speak with the hospital's patient advocate or risk manager and share your concerns about the messages you were given and the knowledge base of your medical staff about the treatment of acute anemia.

Thanks so much for your comments. I was given saline while in the hospital.I was also given an internet print out from my dr showing what percentage of death I would fall in if I left hospital without a transfusion. I did find a dr tht prescribed repliva. The Atlanta hosp is closest they advised me to ask about procrit..Most of the dr's here don't want to go against the grain so its been a fight. Now I'm jst looking for dr's tht will, eating lots of iron rich foods, and plenty fluids...

Is there a hematologist in the town were you live? That may be your best bet at this point. They can assess if you might benefit from receiving intravenous iron, or if oral iron supplementation is adequate. You definitely are going to need additional iron to assist your body in recovering. The hematologist can also prescribe and administer the Procrit that was recommended by the hospital in Atlanta.

For future reference, you might also like to check out Anemia Symptoms and Causes; Low Hemoglobin, Low Hematocrit and Iron Deficiency | NAAC National Anemia Action Council. They recently put on their website several articles dealing with anemia and pregnancy. Check under the featured articles section. Best wishes for a quick recovery, and so sorry for your loss.

Are you one of Jehovah's Witnesses? If you are, you are missing the quality help that the Hospital Liaison Committee can give you. They are aware of all the doctors in your area and hospitals that specialize in alternatives to blood transfusions. If you are a Witness please talk to the elders in your congregation and get the phone numbers necessary to contact the HLC.

I am sorry for your stressful situation. In the centers I have worked for we would look at a 4.9 post op as concerning but not necessarily dire.

How are you feeling? Are you having trouble with simple mental tasks such as conversing with family and friends? Are those alright but you get confused when attempting more complicated tasks like reading or following directions? Do you feel out of breath when and if you get out of bed?

What I am attempting to illustrate is that the issue is symptoms not hemoglobin levels.

What was your preop hemoglobin count? Had you been bleeding for some time as often happens in these situations? If so your body is already producing a high level of EPO. Also, if you were anemic for some time your body has accomodated the anemia (low red blood cells) by releasing more oxygen from the remaining red blood cells.

Did your physician mention anything about iron levels? Iron is needed to produce red blood cells.

Here's a quote from a previous post here at NoBlood..."Also, if your patient is NOT diabetic or sensitive to sugar, I suggest they use black strap (not regular) molasses on a daily basis. It is an excellent source of iron and is well absorbed. One to two tablespoons (per day) is enough. Most bloodless programs also recommend 500 mg Vitamin C and 1 mg of Folic Acid (also B12) every day. Those are products you can buy over the counter. As always, please check with your doctor before taking any medication or over-the-counter product."

The above added to your diet will give your body the nutrients needed to produce a higher than normal level of RBC.

You should stay away from groups of people until your blood count rise as your immune system compromised so you are susceptible to catching illness.

I hope this helps you some.

Jan

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Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
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Just to add to Jan's post...

We have seen numerous counts as low as yours when it goes that way. To date, not one has experienced an untoward event. However, it is unfortunate you were treated the way you were.

In addition to the black strap molasses, we give a table spoon full of peanut butter. This provides a simple form of protein to help with the blood forming process.

Actually, some women will have lower than normal counts as a result of their cycles. The doctors often do not treat. However, once educated and using the regimen mentioned by Jan these women find a much greater quality of life not to mention greater energy.

Some recommend that you would also want to avoid caffeine during the intake of the iron supplement, even if in the form of molasses.

Finally, although no doctors recommend this, since B vitamins are synergistic, both in nursing continuing education and nutritional counseling, we are taught and teach patients to take B complex. Again, check with your doc prior to doing this.

Best wishes.